India is a feast for the senses, a journey of discovery and wonder. I began my journey by experiencing the taste and smell of this complex and intriguing country through a cooking class right here at home – and I was hooked. The spices, the aromas, the flavors, the exotic and romantic nature of the food led me to the country itself and to a love that no other place in the world can quite satisfy.

I made my first journey to India and Nepal in 1998. The cultures and the peoples that I experienced enchanted and captivated me. At that time, I did not even own a camera. I simply allowed myself to see, to smell, to touch, to hear and to taste and to record every second in my mind’s eye. And I realized that I would never quite feel the same again about my life, the world or myself.

As a photographer, I believe that truly seeing – not just the surface seeing but seeing with the eyes of the heart – is an art and a skill that needs to be developed. The camera is simply a tool that allows me to see in a different way. But you don’t need a camera to truly see India – just a willingness and an openness to see the many gifts that this country offers.

Life is a journey...
a continuum of everyday events and ordinary people, all of which make for an extraordinary lifetime of experiences.

We will journey to Rajasthan, the heart of the imagery that is India. Also known as the ‘The Land of Kings’ and ‘Rajputana’, this area of the country has attracted travelers, traders and explorers for centuries, with its collection of former princely states. Our guide, Krishnaveer Singh Deora, a native Rajput and licensed guide of India, will take us through some of the most beautiful and ancient cities of Rajasthan.

The journey has been designed to satisfy photographers and adventurers alike. Each city has been chosen because of its historic significance and its beauty. We will visit city markets and venture off the beaten path to villages where warm and gracious Rajasthanis live. The beautiful tribal dancers of Rajasthan will enthrall us. We will see a puppet show, shop for gems and jewels and eat amazing food.

While the journey will have a definite outline and format, we will remain open to the unexpected. We will not let timetables stop us from satisfying our individual curiosity or from taking full advantage of those serendipitous twists that are the fabric of India. Ultimately the emphasis will be on seeing with a new and richer set of eyes, while experiencing another culture, continent and world.

This journey is for anyone who is passionate about discovering another land, another way of life. The physical stress level of the excursion is moderate. There will be walking but we will not be hiking mountains. It is usually warm in India but October/November is an excellent time to visit India.

Photographers and non-photographers alike will find much to captivate them. Photographers will enjoy the many and varied photo opportunities. However, this is not a photography course. For all participants, this trip is your own personal journey, a chance for you to explore and to tap into your senses. You will have the opportunity to interact with adults and children and to learn about an ancient culture that began thousands of years ago with a migration from Africa.

Single and double occupancy rate available; meals; pre-departure information; entrance fees; excursions, and sight-seeing as noted; all gratuities; ground transportation during the expedition; services of tour leader (Marti Belcher) and guides; taxes, port charges, baggage handling and service charges.

Not included: Air transportation and related fees (except as indicated in the itinerary), activities noted as optional in the itinerary; passport and visa expenses; baggage/accident/ cancellation insurance; personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic beverages; any health care costs, including emergency services; and any other items not specifically listed above.

Itinerary (PDF)

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